Family Life

10.19.09 | FL News Team

Throttle control problems reported in some Toyota and Lexus vehicles may not all be related to faulty floor mats as claimed by Toyota. The "Los Angeles Times" reports an investigation finds the situation may be far more dire than originally thought. The "Times" quotes automotive experts who say the combination of keyless ignition -- which requires a button be pressed for three seconds before the engine can be shut down -- along with transmission controls and computerized throttles may make millions of vehicles unsafe.

Toyota previously blamed the stuck gas pedal hazard on floor mats and ordered the recall of nearly four-million vehicles so the mats can be inspected. The possible electronic and mechanical issues haven't been addressed publicly by the automaker.

A recent case apparently involving a stuck throttle ended the life of an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer and his family. The officer, Mark Saylor, was driving a loaner Lexus while his was in a shop. The 19-year CHP veteran may not have been familiar with the requirement that a button be held for three seconds to kill the engine. In addition, the configuration of the sport shifter makes it difficult to shift into neutral.